While 1080p and 2K monitors are the standard choices for normal consumers and gamers, the popularity of 4K monitors has increased over the years. 4K monitors are known for their higher resolutions for both images and videos. We take a look at the new BenQ 32-inch EW3280U 4K IPS HDR Multimedia Monitor.
Design
BenQ is by no doubt one of the best brands when it comes to both gaming and conventional monitors. The new EW3280U monitor features a minimalistic design with 524.1×726.8×253.8mm as its dimensions. The display features slim bezels and the screen is 32-inch in size. The screen uses an IPS panel with 178 degrees of viewing angles, along with an anti-glare coating.
The display has a resolution of 3840 x 2160. For those who want to game, the response time of the display is 5ms (GtG) and the refresh rate is only 60Hz. Interestingly, the typical display brightness is only 350 nits. However, enabling HDR will extend the brightness to 400 nits.
Apart from the display specifications, the monitor features a built-in front-facing 2.1 channel speakers system, along with a Digital Signal Processor to customize the audio. The speakers are located on the lower bezels of the display. The monitor is designed to tilt up and down between -5 degrees and 15-degree angles.
There is a sensor on the front that detects ambient light used by the intelligent control to optimize the brightness and color temperature of the display. On the left side where the BenQ logo resides, there is a volume wheel that is easy to reach, giving the experience of using a multimedia monitor. Looking at the rear side, you will find the usual 5-key navigator button to navigate through the menu. There is the power button is located under the navigational button.
BenQ also placed quick access buttons for inputs and color mode, above the navigator button. There is also a treVolo subwoofer on the rear side. When it comes to connectivity, the EW3280U features two HDMI 2.0 ports, one Display Port 1.4, and one USB Type C port.
The USB-C port can be used for power delivery at 60W, DisplayPort connection, and data transfers. The EW3280U also comes with an easy-to-use remote control, giving users the ability to control the monitor like a normal television.
Features and Performance
The BenQ EW3280U isn’t just a 4K monitor. It comes with several features that benefit users and gamers. One of the striking features of the monitor is the HDRi, BenQ’s very own HDR technology that helps to improve the image contrast, clarity, and details. HDRi helps to reveal contents in dark areas and the bright areas are not over-exposed.
The monitor is certified with VESA DisplayHDR 400 and HDR10. Users will get the option to switch between different HDR modes such as Cinema HDRi, Game HDRi, and Display HDR. We tried connecting the monitor to a Sony PlayStation 4 Pro and a Microsoft Xbox One X. We tried playing games such as Uncharted: The Lost Legacy that comes with HDR gaming and the performance is impressive.
We also tried playing games such as Halo 5 on the Xbox One X and Killzone: Shadow Fall multiplayer modes where the 5ms low input lag helped. While the BenQ EW3280U isn’t a dedicated gaming monitor, the response time is certainly much better than most televisions around. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any of the latest consoles such as the Sony PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X to try the monitor.
I had also connected the monitor to my PC that is powered by the Ryzen 7 3800X, 32GB DDR4 3600MHz RAM, and the XFX Radeon RX 6900 XT GPU. And playing games at 4K resolution and at 60Hz refresh rate was enjoyable.
We also spoke before about the two speakers and the woofer of the monitor. The display uses tailored sound modes for Cinema, Pop/Live, Game, Rock/Party, and Dialog/Vocal. The monitor also comes with BenQ’s eye-care that helps to reduce fatigue for the user’s eye after prolonged use, whether it’s an office job, watching a movie, or playing games.
Verdict
If you are planning to buy an affordable 4K monitor for your PC or to play with your game consoles, then the BenQ 32-inch EW3280U is a good display to consider. The monitor produces great audio quality, thanks to its front-firing speakers and the treVolo woofer. The display comes with HDRi presets that improve the image and video clarity when playing games and watching movies.
The large 32-inch IPS display is quite the right size to watch movies or do your office work. The built-in sensor detects the surroundings that optimize the brightness and color temperature. The volume wheel is handy to access and the included remote makes it easier to switch between inputs and control the volume.
The BenQ 32-inch EW3280U 4K HDR IPS Multimedia Monitor is priced at 2697 AED (At the time of writing this review).
